Rates of syphilis are worryingly high – in 2018 they were the highest they’ve been in 70 years.

Despite this, a lot of us think of syphilis as an ‘old-timey’ disease, which it’s quite clearly not.

So with the STI running rampant, we think it’s time for every sex-having person to get clued up on the signs and symptoms, so they can make sure to get treatment as early into the illness as possible.

And, of course, it’s a handy reminder to please, please go for regular checkups and use protection for every sexual contact. Syphilis shows no signs of slowing down, and that’s an issue.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

The complicated bit of syphilis is that often it won’t cause any noticeable symptoms, and the symptoms you do experience can disappear quickly, even though the infection remains.

There are some symptoms which can indicate syphilis, however. These tend to come in different stages.

In the early stage, also called primary and secondary syphilis, and in the late stage, also called tertiary syphilis, symptoms will be apparent, but during the middle stage, called the latent stage, there are none.

Symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis:

Small, painless ulcers, called chancres, around the penis, vulva, anus, or mouth. These ulcers are highly infectious.

A blotchy red rash often found on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. This is usually painless

Flat, wart-like growths on the vulva, penis, or around the anus

Flu-like symptoms including tiredness, high temperature, and loss of appetite

Swollen glands

White patches on the tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth

Patchy hair loss

If left untreated, syphilis will progress to the latent stage, where there will likely be no visible symptoms, and will then move to the late stage.

Symptoms of tertiary syphilis:

Swollen glands in the neck, groin, or armpits

If left untreated for years, syphilis can spread and cause serious damage to the nervous system, brain, and heart

How can you catch syphilis?

Syphilis can be passed on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, even with no noticeable symptoms, as well as through blood transfusions and sharing needles.

It can also be transmitted through contact with the ulcers of someone who has syphilis.